Black-Bellied Whistling Duck

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The Black-bellied Whistling-duck is a whistling-duck that breeds from the southernmost United States and tropical Central to south-central South America.

In the USA, it can be found year-round in parts of southeast Texas, and seasonally in southeast Arizona, and Louisiana's Gulf Coast. It is a rare breeder in such disparate locations as Florida, Arkansas, Georgia and South Carolina.

The Black-bellied Whistling-duck is 55 cm long. It has a long red bill, long head, long legs, pale grey head and mostly grey-brown plumage. The belly and tail are black, and the body plumage, back of the neck and cap are a rich chestnut brown. The face and upper neck are grey, and they sport a thin but distinct white eye-ring. The extensive white in the wings is obvious in flight. The wing-coverts are brown.

Males and females look alike; juveniles are similar but have a grey bill and less contrasting belly. Due to its unique appearance, this species is almost unmistakable. With an upright stance, long pink legs, and long neck, adult black-bellied whistling-ducks are unlikely to be confused with any other bird within their range.